Local Building Guides
Zoning, permits, flood zones and design review, town by town, for the places we build most.
20 posts in Local Guide
The Florida Building Code 9th Edition Takes Effect December 31, 2026: What Palm Beach County Homeowners Should Do Now
If your project is permitted before December 31, you are generally under the current code. If it is not, you are under the new one. That timing is worth a conversation right now.
Building a Custom Home in West Palm Beach: Neighborhoods, Lot Realities, and Permitting
West Palm has the most varied building conditions in the county. Two lots a mile apart can produce completely different projects.
Impact Windows and Doors in Palm Beach County: Cost, Options, and What the Code Requires
The window package is one of the largest single line items in a coastal build, and one of the longest lead times. Decide it early.
Custom Home vs. Spec Home vs. Production Builder in South Florida: How to Choose
Three very different products get sold under the same words. Here is what separates them, and which one fits how you actually want to live.
Building a Custom Home in Boca Raton: Zoning, HOA Design Review, and What Slows Projects Down
Boca has two approval tracks running at once: the city and your HOA. The second one is the one that surprises people.
Building a Custom Home in Delray Beach: Zoning, Setbacks, Historic Districts, and Permit Timelines
Delray is one of the most desirable places to build in Palm Beach County. It is also one of the more layered places to permit.
How to Evaluate a Teardown Lot in Palm Beach County Before You Buy
The lot decides what you can build, what it costs, and how long it takes. Most of that is knowable before you close.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Palm Beach County? (2026 Guide)
What does it cost to build a custom home in Palm Beach County in 2026? A clear breakdown of price per square foot, land, permits, and what drives your budget.
Building on the Water in Palm Beach County: Codes, Costs, and What to Expect
What you need to know before building a waterfront custom home in Palm Beach County, from flood zones and setbacks to foundation requirements and insurance.
Highland Beach and Manalapan: Beachside Building Opportunities
Two smaller coastal Palm Beach County towns offer oceanfront and Intracoastal building opportunities that often fly under the radar.
Gulf Stream: Building in One of South Florida's Most Exclusive Towns
Gulf Stream operates under strict architectural standards and demanding build conditions. Here is what custom home clients should expect.
Insurance Costs for New Construction in South Florida: What to Expect
New construction insurance in South Florida often costs less than insuring older homes. Here is how wind, flood, and construction insurance work.
Building on Palm Beach Island: ARCOM, Logistics, and What to Expect
Palm Beach island construction operates under its own review process and its own logistical reality. Here is what clients need to know.
How to Choose the Right Lot for Your Custom Home in Delray Beach
Lot selection determines most of what is possible on a custom home. Here is what to prioritize when evaluating lots in Delray Beach.
Building a Home in Boca Raton: HOA Architectural Review Explained
Gated communities in Boca Raton layer architectural review over municipal permitting. Here is how the process actually works.
The 50% Rule: When FEMA Says You Must Raise Your Home
The FEMA substantial improvement rule can force a full elevation of an older coastal home. Here is how the rule works and when it applies.
Delray Beach Zoning 101: R-1-A, R-1-AA, RM, and What They Mean for Your Build
Before you buy a lot or pull a permit in Delray Beach, you need to understand how zoning affects what you can build, how big, and where on the lot.
Building in Ocean Ridge: What Makes This Coastal Town Unique
Ocean Ridge is a small barrier island municipality with a specific building environment. Here is what custom home clients should know.
Understanding South Florida Flood Zones: What Builders and Buyers Need to Know
Flood zone designation drives finished floor elevation, foundation type, insurance cost, and more. Here is how the designations work in practice.
5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Lot in South Florida
Lot-level due diligence before closing is the difference between a smooth custom home build and an expensive surprise at permit review.
Talk to us about your project
Every build we take on starts with a conversation about the lot, the plans and the budget. Tell us where you are, and Chase will come back within one business day with a straight answer on what is realistic.
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